Over the last week or so I have been reverting GBMINI#2 back towards its original stock specification – for example I have removed the euro shelf (thanks to Gary at MINI Peabody for cutting the required hold in the stock knee bolster), my auto-up-windows MINI circuit, and the recently purchased chrome hoop toggle switch panel – all these parts will be transferred to GBMINI#3.
But today I removed my Whalen gear shift knob and replaced the (not original but factory) lapis blue shift knob:
Of course I don’t plan to install the Whalen in GBMINI#3 😉 But I figured the next owner would prefer a shift knob that indicates where each gear is!
The interesting thing is that, driving home tonight, I rather liked the feel of the original shift knob – a little smaller and easier to hold, and not quite as high so a bit more “short shift” than the Whalen. But when I installed the Whalen, I liked these same differences …
So it seems that change is the key. I have read of studies that proved this – change something in the work place and improve productivity; does not matter what changes, or even if it is later changed back – the key is change.
Does anyone want to buy a Whalen shift knob with GBMINI written on it? 😉
M&I / GBMINI 
WHAT???? NOT REINSTALLING THE WHALEN? I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I remember when you first decided to get the Whalen you were so happy with it. What happened? It is that it feels too big for a shift knob? I’d like to hear your comments because I’m thinking of getting a Whalen shift knob and I respect what your thoughts are on the knob. Maybe I might be interested in purchasing it….
Ryan,
I am not re-installing the Whalen because it won’t fit the auto shifter on GBMINI#3.
I was surprised yesterday how good the original shift knob felt when I re-fitted it; I expected to notice a much worse experience and I did not. Instead I noticed a “different” experience.
The biggest difference is probably the height of the Whalen – gives you more leverage (as well as the extra weight) but when I replaced the original it felt a bit like going to a short-shifter 🙂
One thing I did notice this morning – more difficult to get into reverse. The extra weight of the Whalen clearly helps to throw the lever across that reverse gate.
Do I see cocoa mats? I haven’t seen those since they were all the rage back in the 1960’s. I had them in my 1956 small window VW. I bought them from this really kool after market place called MG Mitten here in Pasadena, since defunct, I think.
Is that a rat in your cup holder?
Are you sticking with the same style heat/air controls?
+++RB
Yes, Cocomats – fabulously good in the nasty New England winters.
For GBMINI#3 I might buy the MINI rubber mats (they have a nice RED “S” logo on them), or I will order more Cocomats.
My “rat” is a penguin – always loved them and this little guy travels from MINI to MINI with me. He was most appropriate in black/white GBMINI#1
Yes, sticking with the same manual heat controls; the auto a/c is “too smart” for me 😉
Cocomats were a surfers favorite as it helped remove sand from da feets and such, plus they were very cheap. The ones I see in your car look much nicer than the set I had. My used MCS came with both warm and cold weather mats.
Even in CA I use the rubbermaid set especially this year..GAD we be floating out here.
Are you removing all the trick electronic gear also?
The “hybrid” factory-HK / aftermarket-Kenwood stereo will be staying in GBMINI#2; removal involves stripping down so much of the car that I just cannot face doing it.
I bought another Kenwood Keg on eBay, and will get a new Kenwood head unit from MikeyTheMini (European ones can have a wired remote for the steering wheel switches, so no need to drill a hole and mount an IR transmitter!)
Ian, PM me pls, I might be interested in your Whalen, how much $$$?….chris
Are you taking the bigger injectors and the revised airbox out..? huh..? are ya..? 😉
No … 😉
Although I did consider switching the airbox to the new MINI; I will surely miss the 4500+ rpm sounds!
Anything I need to know when it comes to removing the auto-up circuit in preparation for transfering it to another MINI??!?! Any button tricks I need to perform after it’s back in it’s original socket(?)??!?
To remove the MINI circuit, just remove it!
Be careful, when you re-insert the factory connector in the back of the toggle switch panel, to allow the latch/clip to properly function …
How the heck do you get the stock shifter knob off?
Open your sunroof and pull up very VERY hard. (Open the sunroof so you don’t break it when the knob pops off and your hands fly through the roof.)
🙂